Serving 296 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Margaret Willis Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 296 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Margaret Willis Elementary School's student population of 296 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
296 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Margaret Willis Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Margaret Willis Elementary School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2299 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)20-24%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
10%
22%
Black
65%
24%
White
9%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Margaret Willis Elementary School's ranking?
Margaret Willis Elementary School is ranked #2299 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Margaret Willis Elementary School often compared to?
Margaret Willis Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Alma O Easom Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Margaret Willis Elementary School?
296 students attend Margaret Willis Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Margaret Willis Elementary School students are Black, 15% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are White, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Margaret Willis Elementary School?
Margaret Willis Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Margaret Willis Elementary School offer ?
Margaret Willis Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Margaret Willis Elementary School part of?
Margaret Willis Elementary School is part of Cumberland County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Margaret Willis Elementary School located?
Margaret Willis Elementary School is located in the Terry Sanford neighborhood of Fayetteville, NC. There are 11 other public schools located in Terry Sanford.
School Reviews
Review Margaret Willis Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
